Since the Pittsburgh Steelers formed in 1933, they have had some of the best players of all-time wear their uniform. They went from a bottom dweller in the NFL to one of the most prized organizations in the sport. With success comes plenty of talented players throughout the years. Coming up with an all-time starting lineup throughout Steelers history wasn't easy, but it was a fun exercise.
Forming a roster of historic names wasn't easy, and there will be debate from its outcome.
This list not only lays out the positional players selected to this team, but it also provides a head coach and both coordinators. Pittsburgh has been blessed with some fantastic members of their football team throughout the years, and this list had to leave some notable names out of the lineup.
Pittsburgh Steelers history created a nearly impossible task to create a starting lineup
Head coach: Chuck Noll
Some might prefer Bill Cowher or Mike Tomlin, but Chuck Noll's four Super Bowl victories are hard to ignore.
He was the best coach the team has had throughout its history, but Tomlin and Cowher did give Noll a run for his money for this nomination. The Steelers would still be strong under Chuck Noll's leadership, and his coaching style should translate well across different generations of players.
Offensive coordinator: Bruce Arians
It was a near toss-up for the offensive coordinator spot for Pittsburgh, but we go with Bruce Arians. He was one of the more consistent when it came to leading a solid offense for the Steelers. He is also someone who grew into one of the better head coaches in the NFL after he left the team. His strength as a play-caller and leader is what made Arians the one to land this job.
Defensive coordinator: Dick LeBeau
Defense is something the franchise has always prided itself on, and Dick LeBeau was the best to lead that group during his tenure. He found ways to create one of the more dynamic defenses because of his vaunted 3-4 "Fire Zone" system. He would do great damage to opposing teams with the litany of talent he would work with. LeBeau remains the best defensive coordinator in franchise history.
Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger
Here is where the first choice could really cause debate, as Ben Roethlisberger is my choice for the Steelers' all-time starting quarterback over Terry Bradshaw.
Yes, Bradshaw won more Super Bowls, but Roethlisberger's stats show he was a dynamic passer. Big Ben is also a player who could've played in any era due to his toughness. This is also a massive reason for Bruce Arians winning the offensive coordinator position, as he and Ben had a strong relationship.
Running back: Franco Harris
He is one of three players with their jerseys retired, and Franco Harris makes the team as the running back. He was a fullback as well during his playing days, but he was a workhorse for Pittsburgh. Winning four Super Bowls cements your status in Steelers history, but having an army named after you only makes your bid stronger. Harris remains the top running back all-time for the team.
Wide receiver: John Stallworth, Hines Ward, Antonio Brown
We reach another area up for debate as Antonio Brown makes the team over Lynn Swann and others. The Steelers have plenty of talented wide receivers in history, but it's clear that John Stallworth, Hines Ward, and Antonio Brown are the top three most talented and productive. You could include a different roster of playmakers without many questioning you, but these three would make this lineup dynamic on offense.
Tight end: Heath Miller
Everyone loved Heath Miller, and he quickly became the best tight end in Steelers history. They could use another legendary figure to eventually take over that mantle, but for now, Miller is someone who will go down as one of the all-around best tight ends in franchise history. His selflessness and ability to be a safety net for Ben Roethlisberger just make this pick better.
Offensive line: Jon Kolb, Alan Faneca, Mike Webster, David DeCastro, Tunch Ilkin
You could alter this starting group in the trenches, as both David DeCastro and Tunch Ilkin could get some pushback.
In reality, this is one of the stronger groups on the team. The center spot extending out to the left tackle position are all obvious choices. DeCastro and Ilkin might be up for debate, but both of them are deserving of being on this all-time starting lineup for the Steelers.
Defensive line: T.J. Watt, "Mean" Joe Greene, Ernie Stautner, James Harrison
Going with a four-line front for the defense in this scenario means both T.J. Watt and James Harrison would be defensive ends. It would be easy to place the entire Steel Curtain from the 70s here, but in reality, there have been terrific pass rushers to take over their places. Including Mean Joe and Ernie Stautner is easy, but bringing in Watt and Harrison creates a deadly defensive front.
Linebackers: Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, James Farrior
You could go through each decade and make an argument for a linebacker to make the all-time starting lineup, but this group is the best out of the crop.
Both Jack Lambert and Jack Ham were easy choices to make this roster as they became one of the best linebacker duos during the 70s. James Farrior is one of the more underrated players in franchise history, but he was terrific.
Cornerback: Mel Blount & Rod Woodson
We are just rolling with two cornerbacks in the starting lineup, so that leaves some big-time names out. Mel Blount and Rod Woodson become the starting cornerbacks for the group. Blount was the best cornerback in Steelers history, and Woodson isn't far behind him. An intriguing aspect of Woodson's game was his ability to slide over to safety, which could bring an added wrinkle on defense.
Safety: Troy Polamalu & Donnie Shell
Pittsburgh has been blessed with some fantastic safeties throughout its history, but Troy Polamalu and Donnie Shell crack the all-time starting lineup. Polamalu had some strong stretches throughout his career and made some mind-boggling highlights. Shell is someone who went under the radar for many years until he finally got recognized with his Hall of Fame induction in 2020.
Specialists: Chris Boswell (K), Josh Miller (P), Greg Warren (LS)
There were some quality kickers throughout Steelers history, but Chris Boswell has the best leg out of that group. Josh Miller probably isn't well remembered, but he was a solid punter for the team during his tenure. Greg Warren remains the record holder for the longest-standing long snapper for the franchise. This is a solid group for Pittsburgh that they can rely on when called upon.
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